Monroe County officials flag 2025 self-insurance shortfall; staff to seek supplemental appropriation in September

Monroe County officials told the Long‑Term Finance Planning Committee on a Friday in August 2025 that the county's self‑insured health plan is facing a funding shortfall this year and that staff will ask the full county council in September for a supplemental appropriation to cover 2025 costs.

The county's benefits broker, Apex Benefits, and county staff said medical and drug spending have risen materially and that an aging employee population is a key driver. County staff said they are budgeting $18,000 per position for plan funding in 2026, expect an across‑the‑plan premium increase in the low double digits, and projected an immediate 2025 shortfall they estimated at about $714,000. "We are going to set aside, in the reserve $2,000,000 and have the end of the year balance be around 1.5 for a total of 3.5," said Greg Garritos, a county staff presenter, during the meeting.

Why it matters: health insurance…